Build the Vanguard with us
DarkWater Studios is building The Vanguard Accords: Genesis, a single-player science-fiction action RPG developed in Unreal Engine 5.
We are looking for skilled, dependable people who understand their craft, communicate clearly, and can turn defined creative direction into working results. We value practical ability, honest communication and strong collaboration more than titles or formal credentials.
All positions listed below are paid. Opportunities may be offered as employment or as contract work depending on the role, project needs and candidate availability. The work arrangement will be made clear before any interview or test is requested.
Open positions
Unreal Engine gameplay programmer
We are looking for an Unreal Engine programmer to help build and refine the systems that control how the player moves, fights, interacts with the world, and operates vehicles or larger machines.
What we need:
- Experience developing gameplay systems in Unreal Engine 5
- Strong Blueprint skills
- Working knowledge of C++
- Ability to diagnose problems and explain solutions clearly
- Experience turning design requirements into playable systems
- Clean, organised work that other developers can understand
Technical artist
We are looking for a technical artist who can connect the game’s visual goals with the realities of Unreal Engine production. This role supports performance, materials, lighting, asset setup, and the tools needed to build large environments efficiently.
What we need:
- Experience working with art assets inside Unreal Engine 5
- Understanding of materials, lighting, optimisation and level performance
- Ability to identify expensive or inefficient assets
- Experience supporting artists and programmers across the same project
- Practical solutions that protect both visual quality and performance
Environment artist
We are looking for an environment artist to help build the Warrens: a massive, rain-soaked city of unfinished concrete towers, improvised homes, industrial spaces, rooftops, tunnels and working infrastructure.
What we need:
- A strong portfolio of believable environments
- Experience with modular building kits and reusable assets
- Understanding of scale, composition, lighting and environmental storytelling
- Ability to follow established visual references and technical requirements
- Experience preparing game-ready assets for Unreal Engine 5
Gameplay designer
We are looking for a gameplay designer who can turn the game’s larger vision into clear, achievable player experiences. This includes mission flow, combat encounters, objectives, pacing, and the connection between infantry, mech and capital-ship gameplay.
What we need:
- Experience designing missions, encounters or gameplay systems
- Ability to communicate ideas through clear documentation
- Understanding of player motivation, difficulty, pacing and feedback
- Ability to work within established scope and technical limitations
- Willingness to test ideas, accept feedback and revise when necessary
What we look for
DarkWater Studios is interested in people who:
- Take responsibility for their work
- Communicate problems before they become delays
- Respect established project direction
- Know when to ask questions
- Can receive and apply feedback professionally
- Care about delivering a finished player experience
You do not need to match every listed qualification to apply. Show us what you can do, explain how your experience applies to the position, and be honest about the areas you are still developing.
How to apply
Send your résumé, portfolio or work samples, the position you are applying for, and a short introduction to:
Please include links to work you personally contributed to and briefly explain your responsibilities. If the work was created by a team, clearly identify which parts were yours.
DarkWater Studios reviews applications based on skill, judgement, communication and fit with the project. Only selected applicants will be contacted for the next step.